8-Day Qinghai Gansu Classic Silk Road Loop
This journey along the Gansu-Qinghai loop will take you through the breathtaking landscapes and profound cultural heritage of northwestern China. By the shores of Qinghai Lake, you will be captivated by the sapphire-like waters, experiencing the serene and majestic beauty of this highland gem. The mirror-like clarity of Chaka Salt Lake reflects the sky and earth, creating an illusion of standing amidst a celestial mirror. The vibrant hues of Zhangye’s Danxia landforms resemble a painter’s palette overturned by nature, showcasing the awe-inspiring artistry of the natural world. Along the way, you will also witness the towering grandeur of the Qilian Mountains, the imposing majesty of Jiayuguan Pass, and the diverse landscapes of vast deserts, lush grasslands, and snow-capped peaks.
Included with every escorted tour
Day 1: Qinghai Arrival
Qinghai Arrival
4+ Star Hotel
None
Upon arrival in Xining, a private vehicle will transfer you to the hotel for rest and acclimatization to the high-altitude climate.
Qinghai Province is located in western China, situated on the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, often referred to as the “Roof of the World.” It is named after Qinghai Lake, the largest inland saltwater lake in China. Qinghai Province is the source of the Yangtze River, Yellow River, and Lancang River, earning it the title “Source of the Rivers” or “Sanjiangyuan” (Source of Three Rivers). It is also renowned as the “Water Tower of China.”
Friendly reminder: The altitude of Xining City is 2,261 meters.
Day 2: Qinghai
Qinghai Arrival
4+ Star Hotel
None
Upon arrival in Xining, a private vehicle will transfer you to the hotel for rest and acclimatization to the high-altitude climate.
Qinghai Province is located in western China, situated on the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, often referred to as the “Roof of the World.” It is named after Qinghai Lake, the largest inland saltwater lake in China. Qinghai Province is the source of the Yangtze River, Yellow River, and Lancang River, earning it the title “Source of the Rivers” or “Sanjiangyuan” (Source of Three Rivers). It is also renowned as the “Water Tower of China.”
Friendly reminder: The altitude of Xining City is 2,261 meters.
Day 3: Qianghai
Chaka–Chaka Salt Lake–Golmud
4+ Star Hotel
Breakfast
Rise early and travel to Chaka Salt Lake, where you can witness the spectacular sight of modern salt harvesting vessels spraying water and collecting salt pearls. Marvel at the vibrant hues of the sunrise and sunset over the lake, creating a stunning natural canvas. Through the crystal-clear waters, you can observe the fascinating, ever-growing salt formations in various shapes, resembling delicate flowers. Delve into the mysteries of the lake’s depths and experience the surreal spectacle of rolling salt waves left behind after the tide recedes. For a deeper exploration, take a small train ride into the heart of the lake for a unique perspective.
Afterward, continue your journey along the Jingzang Expressway to Golmud.
Friendly reminder: The altitude of Golmud is 2,780 meters.
Day 4: Qinghai--Gansu
Golmud-Chaerhan Salt Lake-Oil Town-Dunhuang
4+ Star Hotel
Breakfast
In the morning, set off by vehicle to visit Chaerhan Salt Lake, located in the Qaidam Basin in western Qinghai. As China’s largest salt lake and one of the world’s most renowned inland salt lakes, Chaerhan is celebrated for its majestic landscapes and abundant salt resources. Over millennia, intense evaporation has formed a thick, solid salt crust on the lake’s surface, so sturdy that factories, railways, and highways have been built atop it. Among its unique features is the famous “Ten Thousand Zhang Salt Bridge,” a remarkable sight to behold.
Afterward, continue your journey to Dunhuang, crossing the Dangjin Mountain and passing by the filming site of Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe—Aksai Oil Town. Aksai, officially known as the “Aksai Kazakh Autonomous County,” lies at the intersection of Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang. The filming site is located in the old county town of Aksai, where the ancient theater, government compound, school, and other settings from the movie remain intact, offering a glimpse into the past.
In the evening, you may opt to watch the large-scale indoor immersive performance Encounter Dunhuang or Dunhuang Spectacle (90 minutes) at your own expense.
Friendly reminder: The altitude of Dunhuang city is 1,139 meters.
Day 5: Gansu
Mingsha Mountain–Mogao Grottoes
4+ Star Hotel
Breakfast
After breakfast, explore the enchanting Mingsha Mountain (Singing Sand Dunes) and Crescent Lake. The sand of Mingsha Mountain is soft and fine, displaying a spectrum of colors including purple, red, yellow, white, and black. From the base to the summit, the sand becomes progressively finer and smoother. When you hold a handful and gently squeeze it, it feels clean and dust-free, akin to gold sand repeatedly washed by clear water. Here, the mountain and the spring present strikingly different yet equally captivating landscapes, leaving visitors in awe of nature’s grandeur. The crescent-shaped spring nestled within the sea of sand creates a magical scene, evoking the poetic imagery of “a vast moon rising with the tide, a pearl shining amidst a desert of endless dunes.” After this unforgettable experience, head to your hotel in Dunhuang for check-in.
In the afternoon, visit the Mogao Caves, hailed as the “Treasure House of Eastern Art” and recognized as one of the most significant cultural discoveries of the 20th century. The preservation of Mogao Caves has been a story of resilience and struggle. Facing the Sanwei Peak, the caves are arranged in five tiers, with varying sizes and heights, densely scattered across the cliff face. Inside, you’ll find majestic Buddha statues, exquisite murals, lifelike painted sculptures, graceful flying apsaras, and intricate compositions with vibrant colors—each element seemingly perfected as if created in a single day.
In the evening, you can explore the Shazhou Night Market to savor local delicacies and immerse yourself in the vibrant folk culture.
Day 6: Gansu
Dunhuang-Jiayuguan-Danxiakou
4+ Star Hotel
Breakfast
After breakfast, depart for Jiayuguan, passing through Guazhou along the way. Upon arrival, visit the Jiayuguan Pass, the westernmost end of the Great Wall, famously known as the “First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven.” Constructed in 1372 during the Ming Dynasty, it took 168 years (1372–1539) to develop into a complete fortress. Jiayuguan Pass is the most imposing and strategically significant among the thousands of passes along the Ming Dynasty’s Great Wall and remains remarkably well-preserved to this day.
After the visit, continue your journey by vehicle to Zhangye.
Friendly reminders:
The altitude of Jiayuguan city is 1,462 meters.
The altitude of Zhangye city is 1,483 meters.
Day 7: Gansu--Qinghai
ZhangyeColorful Danxia-Zhangye-Train back to Xining
4+ Star Hotel
Breakfast
After breakfast, visit the Zhangye Danxia Geological Park, the filming location for A Simple Noodle Story. This park is the only compound area in China featuring both Danxia landforms and colorful hills. It has been named one of the “World’s Top 10 Magical Geographical Wonders” by National Geographic and ranked among China’s seven most beautiful Danxia landscapes by Chinese National Geography. The serene and mystical Danxia landscape is surrounded by crimson cliffs, with winding paths revealing new vistas at every turn. As you immerse yourself in the embrace of the Danxia landforms, the gentle whispers of the wind echo through the “ancient castles” of rock, while thin mists accompany you through the enigmatic valleys and ravines.
After lunch, transfer to Zhangye West Railway Station and take a high-speed train to Xining.
Friendly reminder: The altitude of Xining city is 2,261 meters.
Day 8: Qinghai Departure
Xining Departure
None
Breakfast
According to the flight time, you will be taken to Xining Caojiabao Airport by special car, ending your pleasant journey to the west.
